Prevalence of dehydration and fluid intake practices in elite rally Dakar drivers

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Dehydration has long been shown to reduce physical performance, cognitive function, and alertness in a range of athletic and non-athletic populations. The motor sport needs several perceptive and neuromuscular skills to adequately perform the race. Objectives: Describe the hydration practices and dehydration prevalence in elite motor sport athletes. Equipment and methods used: the sample consisted of four distinct groups of drivers; motorcycle riders (n= 7), quad riders (n= 4), car drivers (n= 8), and truck drivers (n= 4). The urine samples and a brief questionnaire to assess hydration habits and practices were collected after the race. Urine specific gravity was determined for hydration status. Results: During the race, subjects consumed water (82%) and isotonic drinks (18%). After the race, athletes consumed energy drinks (17%), beer (13%), soft drinks (26%), water (30%), and isotonic drinks (13%), and showed a mean urine specific gravity of 1.031±0.02g·mL-1, with drivers showing a significant and serious dehydration, 29% and 71% respectively. Our results show that rally racers present an important dehydration status after finishing the stage, in addition to inadequate rehydration strategies.

Original languageEnglish
JournalScience and Sports
Volume29
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)327-330
Number of pages4
ISSN0765-1597
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS.

    Research areas

  • Dehydration, Motor racing, Rehydration beverage, Water balance

ID: 306454526